WSHPDR_2013_Final_Report-updated_version

Since then, several values close to 3,250 MW or
rounded to 3 GW have been reported in many official
documents. 11 Conversely, in 1994, the CFE had
published an estimated total hydropower potential for
Mexico of 159 TWh in terms of annual energy
generation. Extra effort will be needed to identify the
exact national small hydropower potential.
SHP installed
capacity (up
to 10 MW)
SHP potential
(up to 10 MW)
SHP installed
capacity (up
to 30 MW)
SHP potential
(up to 30 MW)
n/a
353.5 MW
453 MW
3250 MW
0 1000 2000 3000 4000
Figure 2 Small hydropower capacities in Mexico
In 2006, CFE solicited a study of the hydro power
12 13
potential in three pilot river basins in Mexico.
Technology was adapted and developed for the
systematic and exhaustive evaluation of the Culiacán,
Nautla and Tecolutla river basins, covering a total of
30,000 km 2 , about 1.5 per cent of the territory. The
study focused on run-off river projects up to 30 MW.
The basic hydropower potential of all stream reaches,
with an average length close to 3 km, was successfully
12 13
evaluated (table).
Figure 3 Small hydropower potential in pilot river
basins in Mexico
(Megawatts)
River basin
Feasible project capacity
Culiacán 29.8
Nautla 91.1
Tecolutla 148.5
Notes: Based on a distributed hydrologic model. The frequency
analysis of runoff series (flow duration curves) was carried out, with
daily data of 20 years.
These results strongly suggest that the real small
hydropower potential of the country may be
significantly greater than what was presented before.
The hydropower potential would be even greater if
the following were taken into account: small
hydropower projects with reservoir, pumped storage
schemes, installation of equipment in existing
irrigation and urban hydraulic infrastructure, and
rehabilitation of existing small hydropower plants.
Only a national assessment with the available
technology can elucidate the question.
Renewable energy policy
Mexico is committed to generating 35 per cent of its
electricity through renewable sources by 2024
(currently 12 per cent). To do this, several laws and
regulations have been passed, above all to facilitate
connection to the power grid. By the end of 2012, the
framework for small-scale renewable energy tender
offers (